Somaliland Turns to Israel for Air Defense as Turkey Expands Footprint in Somalia
Somaliland is openly seeking deeper security cooperation with Israel, including advanced air-defense systems, as Ankara's military presence in neighboring Somalia grows. The request, confirmed by senior Somaliland presidential foreign affairs adviser Mohamed Osman Fadal in an interview with Middle East Eye, marks a significant strategic shift in the Horn of Africa and a clear vote of confidence in Jerusalem's capabilities.
“We need air-defense systems,” Fadal said. “We want Israel to support us against Turkey.”
The appeal comes amid reports that Turkish F-16 fighter jets have been deployed to Somalia, with three of them participating in an April flyover over Mogadishu during Somali Armed Forces Day celebrations. Ankara has also expanded its drone capabilities in the region, raising concerns in Hargeisa about the balance of power.
Why Somaliland Sees Israel as a Strategic Counterweight
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and maintains its own governing and security institutions, views Israel as a vital counterweight to the increasingly close cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara. Officials in Hargeisa fear the Somali federal government may be considering military action against Somaliland, potentially with Turkish assistance.
Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, director-general of Somaliland's Foreign Ministry, told Middle East Eye that these fears are driving the push for closer ties with Jerusalem. While the claims of a potential invasion have not been independently verified, the strategic calculus is clear: Israel is seen as a reliable partner capable of providing the defensive edge Somaliland needs.
Turkey's Growing Military Footprint in Somalia
Turkey is widely considered Somalia's principal strategic ally. In 2017, Ankara opened its largest overseas military training facility in Mogadishu and has since trained thousands of Somali security personnel. A 2024 defense and economic cooperation agreement further solidified the relationship, with Turkey assisting in building, training, and equipping Somalia's navy and strengthening maritime security.
Ankara has also expanded its involvement in Somalia's energy sector, including oil and gas exploration off the Somali coast. This deepening footprint has not gone unnoticed in Hargeisa, where officials increasingly see Turkey as a direct threat to Somaliland's sovereignty.
Reports of Israeli Presence at Berbera Port
Recent months have seen growing reports of a possible Israeli military presence at the port of Berbera, a strategically located facility on the Gulf of Aden. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed on Friday that Israel was planning to establish a naval base in the city and use its airport.
Somaliland has denied the existence of such an agreement. Its defense minister confirmed in June that there is no Israeli military presence and no negotiations over establishing a base, while acknowledging that Israel provides training to Somaliland's military and police forces.
Diverging Views on the Houthi Threat
The reports challenge the assumption that closer security ties between Israel and Somaliland are driven primarily by the Houthi threat across the Gulf of Aden. Hassan told Middle East Eye that Somaliland does not support confrontation with the Houthis and instead prefers direct political dialogue.
This position differs significantly from Israel's approach, given the Houthis' repeated attacks on Israeli territory and shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The gap suggests that, from Somaliland's perspective, Turkey and its relationship with the Somali government currently represent a more central security concern than the Iranian-backed Houthis.
Analysts Question Somaliland's Strategy
Not all observers are convinced by Somaliland's warnings. Mogadishu-based analyst Ahmed Abdi told Somalia Today that Turkey does not pose a significant threat to Somaliland and that the statements are largely aimed at audiences outside the region.
Abdi argues that Somaliland is seeking to position itself alongside Western actors that criticize Turkey or support Israel, hoping to secure greater international support and recognition. He assessed that the strategy is unlikely to succeed, in part because Turkey is a NATO member and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintains ties with US President Donald Trump.
Abdi suggested that Somaliland would have a stronger case if it based its demand for recognition on its own achievements and status rather than on opposition to other countries. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Israel is currently the only country to have formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, a bond that continues to strengthen despite international skepticism.
What This Means for Israel's Regional Standing
For Israel, the deepening relationship with Somaliland represents a strategic opportunity to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa, a region of growing geopolitical importance. As Turkey extends its reach and Iran continues to arm proxies like the Houthis, Jerusalem's partnerships with emerging allies like Somaliland become increasingly valuable.
The Jewish state has long understood that true security comes not only from military strength but from building alliances based on mutual respect and shared interests. In Somaliland, Israel has found a partner that values its expertise, its technology, and its commitment to defending sovereignty against regional threats.
As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the bonds between Jerusalem and Hargeisa are strengthening, and the strategic logic behind them is sound. In a volatile region, Israel continues to demonstrate that it is a reliable partner for those who seek security and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Israel establishing a military base in Somaliland?
Somaliland has denied reports of an Israeli military base at Berbera port. Its defense minister confirmed in June that there is no Israeli military presence and no negotiations over establishing a base, while acknowledging that Israel provides training to Somaliland's military and police.
Why does Somaliland want Israeli air-defense systems?
Somaliland seeks Israeli air-defense systems to counter Turkey's growing military presence in Somalia, including deployed F-16 fighter jets and expanded drone capabilities. Senior officials in Hargeisa view Israel as a strategic counterweight to Ankara's influence in the region.
Has Israel recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state?
Yes, Israel is currently the only country to have formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state since its declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991.